1. Start with a Signature Trip Tee
Everyone has that one destination that feels like “their” place. Use it as the starting point for a signature trip tee. Think simple: a clean line drawing of a skyline, a minimal outline of a mountain range, or even the GPS coordinates of a favourite café. Keep the design subtle enough that you’d wear it at home, not just on holiday.
2. Collect Local Artwork and Scan It
Instead of buying generic tourist shirts, look for local artists at markets and small galleries. Many sell prints, stickers or postcards. These are easy to scan and turn into personal designs later, whether you print them on tees, tote bags or hoodies. You’ll end up supporting independent creators and wearing something that genuinely reflects the place.
3. Use Photos for Hidden Details
Big photo prints can date quickly, but tiny photo details are a fun way to keep memories close. Try turning a favourite travel photo into a monochrome pattern, or cropping in on a single detail—a street sign, a doorway, a neon light—and repeating it as a subtle background. It’s a lot more wearable than a giant beach selfie across your chest.
4. Play with Typography
Street names, metro lines, local slang and even café menus are full of typography inspiration. Snap pictures of lettering that catches your eye, then mix and match fonts to create a design that channels the feel of the city without copying it directly. A simple phrase like “Late Nights / Early Flights” in a city’s colours can become a favourite everyday tee.
5. Add Coordinates or Dates Inside the Neck
For a low-key approach, hide the sentimental info. Add trip dates, coordinates or a short message inside the neck print or on a small woven label. Only you know what it means, but every time you put the shirt on you’ll get a quiet reminder of that particular trip.
6. Build a Series Over Time
Instead of buying ten souvenirs on every holiday, create a series: one thoughtfully designed tee per trip. Keep a consistent template—same base colour, same print position—and change only the artwork or text. Over the years you’ll build a wearable timeline of your travels.
7. Don’t Aim for Perfection
The best travel merch often has small imperfections: slightly offset prints, hand-drawn lines, colours that aren’t perfectly matched. Embrace that. Your best nerd shirt designs don’t need to look like big-brand releases. They just need to remind you of that late-night taxi ride, that strange museum, or that perfect morning coffee somewhere new.